We occasionally like to highlight some interesting folks crafting Colorado experiences and arts. If you know someone who belongs on our Characters of the Craft pages, let us know.

Megan Campbell

CEO and head distiller, Montanya Distillers
Age: 28

What do you love about your job? The wonderful humans I get to interact and connect with. Distillers are a fun group of people, full of many talents and hobbies outside of work. And I can’t forget our amazing bartender community, who serves us up delicious libations good for any day.

What is the hardest part of your job? Juggling a multitude of different tasks each day, and finding the balance of work and personal life. Mental health is important, and finding time for yourself outside of work can be difficult as a small business owner.

What gets you out of bed in the morning? The mountains that surround Crested Butte! Living in this magical valley makes hard days feel less stressful when you get outside.

What’s one thing about yourself that most people in your circle wouldn’t know? I’m more of an introvert that lives an extrovert lifestyle. I love being at home, but with living in a mountain town and owning a business, I find myself outside and at events constantly. I truly love my community but really enjoy those days of resetting in my cozy home.

What would be your favorite Colorado staycation destination? Why? Ouray/Ridgeway – my partner and I enjoy this place as an escape to relax and reset during the busy times in Crested Butte. There are multiple hot springs to visit, great Thai food & we personally love staying at the Chipeta Lodge. The lodge has a fantastic cocktail program and free breakfast.

What’s one of your favorite places to eat or drink in Colorado? Well, living in Crested Butte, we tend to call going to Denver ‘the big city.’ When in the big city, I tend to eat all things SUSHI. Still determining my favorite spot ... let me know your suggestions! I love the drinking at Occidental: it’s laid back; they have a delicious cocktail program (the bartenders know their stuff); and the bar food is so dang yummy. Toast and crepes!

Tif Choate

Artist and CEO at Snail Candy Arts
Age: 54

What do you love about your job? I love getting to create and give my community joy and imagination through public art murals and colorful artwork for display.

What is the hardest part of your job? Wearing all of the hats. It can become discouraging when there are so many administrative tasks like marketing, accounting and strategic planning that take time away from my primary focus and love, to make great art.

What gets you out of bed in the morning? The sunrise! It’s time to rejoice each morning and commune with God. I love what I do.

What’s one thing about yourself that most people in your circle wouldn’t know? I’ve been painfully shy most of my life. Most would think of me as an extrovert.

What would be your favorite Colorado staycation destination? Why? Lake Haiyaha in Rocky Mountain National Park. It’s a great day hike to it, fun bouldering and just, wow! That blue water. For an overnight, I have a great love for Grand Lake.

What’s one of your favorite places to eat or drink in Colorado? Mudrock’s Tap & Tavern in Louisville is great for both. Love Ghost Pizza in Lafayette; best sushi & sake is a tie between Mr. Sake Sushi & Grill in Louisville, and Udon Kaisha in Lafayette.

Rachael Dean

Professional ballet dancer, Wonderbound Dance Company
Age: 24

What do you love about your job? There are so many things I love about my job. Being able to move my body, and express myself in an art form I have done since I could walk is such an incredible thing. I get to go to work every day and continue to fine-tune my craft. I also love making audience members laugh, smile and even cry watching the works I get to be a part of.

What is the hardest part of your job? This question always makes me smile. Dancing is a very demanding job both physically and mentally. Repetition in movement can cause injury, which is never fun. There are always nerves that come with live theater. And there’s the anxiety of constantly striving for “perfection.” But even though those are the hardest parts, they are also some of my favorite parts. They remind me how much hard work is needed for this job.

What gets you out of bed in the morning? Currently, my cat is what gets me out of bed in the morning. Her purrs and meows at 6 a.m. are loud enough to wake the nextdoor neighbors.

What’s one thing about yourself that most people in your circle wouldn’t know? My parents put me in soccer when I was little, and let’s just say it wasn’t for me. I was more interested in the flowers on the field, and I would sit in the middle of the grass to gather dandelions to give to my mom during the game.

What would be your favorite Colorado staycation destination? Why? I haven’t stayed away many times here in Colorado, but I love being in the mountains and taking in all the nature. I love seeing all the stars, so the farther away from city lights, the better.

What’s one of your favorite places to eat or drink in Colorado? There are so many favorites in the area, but I enjoy the 4 Noses Brewing Co. They have different food trucks so you can grab a bite to eat, and they have a really good gluten-free beer. I love going to hang out with friends to chat and play games, especially when it’s nice outside because they have a beautiful view of the mountains.